Trudeau calling for independent probe of reported use of 'excessive force' in Gaza shootings

Source: CBC

Posted: May 16, 2018 4:33 PM ET | Last Updated: an hour ago

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling for answers after a Canadian doctor was among hundreds shot by the Israel Defence Forces in a violent clash at the Gaza border Monday, while condemning what he calls an "excessive use of force."

Two days after a bloody encounter with Israeli soldiers killed more than 50 Palestinians and wounded many more, Trudeau issued a statement to the parliamentary press gallery Wednesday demanding Israel's leaders explain how a London, Ont. doctor tending to injured protesters was caught in the crossfire — while throwing his support behind calls for an independent investigation.

"Canada deplores and is gravely concerned by the violence in the Gaza Strip that has led to a tragic loss of life and injured countless people. We are appalled that Dr. Tarek Loubani, a Canadian citizen, is among the wounded — along with so many unarmed people, including civilians, members of the media, first responders, and children," he said.

"We are doing everything we can to assist Dr. Loubani and his family, and to determine how a Canadian citizen came to be injured. We are engaging with Israeli officials to get to the bottom of these events."